Creative U-turn / by Alexander Lyadov

One is deeply depressed by “lack of opportunity”, staring blankly at the screen of a high-powered MacBook and unable to taste a latte in a trendy Boston coffee shop. The other, despite a crisis, pandemic or war, is doing more and more good for his clients and, as a result, the value of his business is growing. One beats her head against the glass ceiling of the corporation and the further she goes, the more she hates her boss, her colleagues, her fate, and most importantly, herself. And the other one curiously examines the situation in the company and finds the point of unbearable pain, the responsibility for which everyone avoids, because they do not even know from which side to approach it.

Fortunately or not, this world is completely imperfect. There is always something in it that must be urgently corrected, cured and reinvented, or else… But if there is no obvious way out, people adjust and get used to every situation. Some problems become chronic, and lubricants and crutches are used to alleviate their symptoms. Sometimes the greatest difficulties in the company are not discussed at all, until, of course, disaster strikes. To a newcomer, this attitude may seem like the theater of the absurd: “Am I the only one watching this nonsense?” But instead of dejection and indignation, it is better to accept the situation as it is. For example, as a silent plea from those suffering to be freed from the tyranny of the problem. What if you are here for a reason and this situation is an invitation especially for you?

If you are uninspired by the idea of helping people — team, management and shareholders, perhaps your intellect will be captivated by a challenging task that no one else has been able to do. Or you will be ignited by the prospect of earning an order of magnitude more respect, fame and money. After all, the scale of the problem to be solved determines the size of the reward, especially if there are no other contenders to take that risk.

If this is the case, why do two people perceive the same situation in opposite ways? One is discouraged by hopelessness, while the other is elated by lurking opportunities. Moreover, what happens when the same person perceives the Before and After situation so differently? In my business therapy practice, I regularly observe this creative reversal, when the founder’s vision of the problematic situation turns one hundred and eighty degrees. For me this is one of the most valuable moments. It is as if I am witnessing the mystery of transformation, birth and metamorphosis. When the client discovers a new meaning for himself, it turns out that my personal meaning reaches its maximum, too.

Yours sincerely,

-Alexander


You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.


”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an extremely important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.